Just a hint, it’s not looking so good for snowpack in 2030…
I got to take courses on hydrology, meteorology, and atmospheric chemistry. Right now, I am even taking a course in Geologic Information Systems (GIS), where I am using online mapping software to look at the impacts of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on plant life and the impacts on the surrounding land. The possibilities are pretty limitless. I am even doing research on how different lichen species and their colors can be used as an indicator for air pollution!
I am about to take off on a 5 day trip into the Bourg d’Oisans valley studying snow science, where I will get to spend 6 hours a day digging snow pits, collecting samples, understanding avalanches, snow water depth, etc. More news on that to come!
Reflecting over the past 6 months, I feel like I realized just how much I believe that these topics and fields are so interconnected. I still love water and ice and know that climate systems are the perfect field of study for me, but I also came to understand that I can’t forget about the rocks when I’m so focused on the air and clouds above. Coming from my bachelor’s degree in environmental science, I had done a lot of work on the environmental education, advocacy, and policy side of things, and chose to pursue this master’s because I was ready for the hard science and field work side of the equation. I know that it won’t be easy, and I am ready to take on the challenge of learning in a new system, a new country, and a new language. I now feel challenged, open to new ideas and ready to take on whatever comes next.
